Rachel's Journal

Rachel's Journal

Carnivorous Plants

Had a real easy day today and did a good bit of browsing on the internet.

I was trying to find out more about carnivorous plants in general and how to order them on line, in particular. You see it's my birthday soon so I might be dropping a few hints to the hubby.

I find the carnivorous pitcher plants really exciting and was amazed to discover that the nepenthes pitcher plants are completely different from the sarracenia pitcher ones in every way possible - different water, compost, light and temperature requirements. I was looking up information because my sarracenia plant doesn't seem to be doing that well. I think the problem is not enough light (I thought it was the opposite because the plant has, what seems like, scorch marks on it). Anyway, I need to get a proper book on the subject - my encyclopaedias don't cover it.

Alison, you mentioned that there is heuchera called 'Rachel'. Well, today I discovered that the Cobra Lily (also a carnivorous plant) has the name of darlingtonia. Since my name is Rachel Darlington, I think I had better look into getting one!

What a nice birthday present. I think its a great idea. My cousin living in Liverpool has what she calls her 'family garden' in which she has a plant named (official name) for almost every member of her extended family. There are some gaps but she is always on the lookout and hopes eventually to have a complete garden. Dont know if that will ever happen as the next generation are expanding fairly rapidly!!

I think carnivorous pitcher plants are very exotic and exciting looking, the display at Chelsea was amazing, however I would not have a clue how to incorporate them into my garden. Best of luck sourcing darlingtonia.

The nepenthes in the photo are really an indoor oddity. But sarracenia can be planted in a bog garden and overwintered in a cool greenhouse. I hope to try a bog garden, even just in a barrel, at some stage. So many plans, so little time.